By: M. Neywon Mengonfia
Liberia’s newly elected President, Joseph N. Boakai, wasted no time in announcing his first five appointments. These appointments include the Minister of Finance, the Police Chief, and other vital positions. Interestingly, all five appointees had previously served under the administration of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Boima S. Kamara, who previously held the position of Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, has been appointed as the Minister of Finance. This is his second time serving in this role, having been previously appointed by Madam Sirleaf from April 2016 to 2018.
Sylvester M. Grigsby, who previously served as Deputy Foreign Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration of Liberia under Sirleaf, has been appointed as the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs. Samuel Koffi Woods, who was previously Minister of Public Works during the Sirleaf regime, will now serve as the National Security Advisor to the President.
Gregory Coleman, former head of the Liberia National Police under Sirleaf, will resume his position as Inspector General. Coleman is also the founder of Sustainable Initiatives International (SII), an organization dedicated to addressing community concerns. Lastly, Sam Gaye is back in his previous role as Director of the Executive Protection Service (EPS), which he previously headed.
President Boakai campaigned on the promise to rescue the Liberian people and improve their lives. In his inaugural speech on Monday, he declared that there would be no more business as usual.
